a touch of sugar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch of sugar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small amount of sugar added to something, often to enhance flavor or sweetness. Example: "To balance the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce, add a touch of sugar."

✓ Grammatically correct

Food

Cooking

Drinks

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

For example, a touch of sugar goes into almost every savory Chinese dish".

The New York Times - Arts

The first was littered with pearly white corn kernels, adding a touch of sugar as welcome as a big smile.

The New York Times

Put a dead chill on it and whip it lightly with a touch of sugar and a thimble of vanilla.

The New York Times - Food

The fried chicken is more grown-up, the crispy skin the color of mahogany thanks to a touch of sugar in the batter.

The New York Times - Food

It is a pale chartreuse color, with a touch of sugar, lime and mint, making it more like a Cuban mojito in a bottle.

The New York Times - Food

Taste the sauce to see if it needs a touch of sugar or more salt, stir in the coriander and serve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"When we were getting ready to open, I wasn't baking it, and he'd say, 'Where's my monkey bread?' " Made with a touch of brown sugar and fragrant with yeast, the puzzlelike bread — fun to say and fun to eat — will undoubtedly stir the same emotions in other neighborhood children.

The New York Times

This is done by half-drying the fruit, then adding a touch of cane sugar.

The New York Times - Food

At home, I simmered some ginger, sake and mirin with soy sauce, garlic and a touch of brown sugar.

The New York Times - Food

He is adored by his people, a charismatic and absolute monarch with a touch of the sugar daddies about him.

The Guardian - Travel

8. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and garnish with fresh strawberries and a touch of powdered sugar.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a touch of sugar" in recipes, specify the type of sugar (e.g., brown sugar, granulated sugar) for clarity and to guide the reader toward the intended flavor profile.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch of sugar" metaphorically in contexts where it doesn't logically fit. For instance, saying "the presentation needs a touch of sugar" is vague. Instead, be specific about what's lacking, such as "more creativity" or "better visuals".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch of sugar" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as an adjunct. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another noun by specifying the addition of a small quantity of sugar. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a touch of sugar" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the addition of a small amount of sugar, often in culinary contexts. Ludwig AI validates its usability in various writing styles. While versatile, its use should be tailored to fit the specific context, avoiding overuse in non-culinary scenarios. Alternatives such as "a hint of sweetness" or "a dash of sugar" can provide nuanced meaning. The primary sources include reputable news outlets and online resources, reinforcing its widespread acceptance and usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of sweetness

Focuses on the resulting taste sensation rather than the ingredient itself.

a dash of sugar

Uses "dash" to imply a quick and small addition.

a sprinkle of sugar

Emphasizes the method of application being a light scattering.

a pinch of sugar

Highlights the tiny amount added, often measured between the fingers.

a little sugar

A more general term for a small quantity.

a small amount of sugar

More formal and precise language to indicate quantity.

a trace of sugar

Indicates an extremely small, almost imperceptible amount.

a modest amount of sugar

Emphasizes the restraint in adding sugar.

a suggestion of sugar

Implies the sugar is used subtly to enhance other flavors.

a whisper of sugar

Conveys that the amount of sugar used is very subtle and delicate.

FAQs

How can I use "a touch of sugar" in a sentence?

You can use "a touch of sugar" when you want to convey adding a small amount of sugar to something. For example, "Add "a touch of sugar" to the sauce to balance the acidity."

What's a synonym for "a touch of sugar"?

Alternatives to "a touch of sugar" include "a hint of sweetness", "a dash of sugar", or "a pinch of sugar".

Is it okay to use "a touch of sugar" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a touch of sugar" is more suited for informal or descriptive writing, particularly when discussing cooking or flavors. In formal contexts, consider using more precise language like "a small amount of sugar".

Can "a touch of sugar" be used metaphorically?

Yes, but sparingly. Metaphorical uses of "a touch of sugar" should be carefully considered to ensure they make sense in the given context. Overusing it can lead to vagueness or a lack of clarity.